Bars & Cafes

With a well-lit parking lot and a Cheers-type atmosphere, this sports bar is one of the most popular in the city. Catch all your favorite sports events and programs on one of 20 televisions or one giant ten-foot, big-screen TV. Seven satellites ensure a nice variety of programming options. The pizza has been officially voted the best bar pizza in the city. Definitely give it a try.

Olive Garden serves up authentic Italian cuisine. Their signature breadsticks and one-of-a-kind menu make them an American icon. Standard Italian options like bruchetta, calamari, ravioli, and eggplant parmigiana line their lengthy menu. More exotic items like salmon, chicken dishes, and innovative pizzas are also available. For the calorie-counter, Olive Garden has a range of low fat and low carbohydrate options. Their bottomless salads ensure a well-balanced feast. Enjoy your meal with a bottle from their extensive wine list or one of their tropical island drinks. Finally, top it all off with a little something from their dessert menu- their cakes, custards, and ice creams are sure to win you over. Lunch and take out menus are available.

A typical local hang out spot along Scarsdale Boulevard, Nutty Bar is where you would want to go to for a fun, relaxed and well spent night out. The place is very typical of a neighborhood pub, with good selections of beer, ales and other alcoholic spirits. Guests can wash away boredom with a few hits at the pool tables or even aim the bulls eye on the dart boards or just catch one of the many sports events on the big television screens. Prices are reasonable. Call ahead for more information.

Napoli is an Italian restaurant giving you an Italian treat. The ambiance of the restaurant will transport you all the way to Italy and right to the city of Napoli. The interiors of the restaurant has been done up in a way that allows you to experience what the city is like. Some of the dishes to try here are Veal Cutlet Parmigiana, the Baked Ziti and the Tortellini Marinara.

Thankfully, they won't tell forced inane platitudes like "turn that frown upside down" to their patrons, but there is some level of expectation that all troubles will be checked at the door for pick up on the way out. All baggage is strictly the responsibility of the owner. Enter a magical place where indie bands can make a name for themselves, the suggested donation for beer and wine is a mere formality and no one has to feel ashamed to play with their puppets. More than just a bar with live experimental electronic music and underground jazz, this little bungalow also sports a gallery of quirky art to ponder and sock puppets and board games in the living room.

This restaurant got its start by catering to the overflow crowds from nearby Ninfa's, but it was not long before it was attracting crowds on its own merits. The huge Mayan-based mural, transports diners to another world and inspires a lot of conversation. Specialties from the Yucatan, like black bean and pork combinations, join with Tex-Mex to form the menu. Order one of the stellar margaritas from the full bar and settle in for a fabulous meal the entire family will enjoy.

Friendly, charming and most definitely the best place to lounge at in the Midtown area, the Midtown Lounge is where you'll find locals relaxing at after work hours, who come here to be part of all the fun and happenings that the lounge offers. A local favorite, the place has regular offers on drinks and the food served. On the entertainment front, each day patrons can expect live quality performances. On the menu are excellent well prepared dishes, with preparations of Crawfish, Shellfish and Gumbo topping the menu charts. Rental services are available as well. Call ahead or check their website for more details.

With Warehouse Live (concert hall) and Houston Dynamo Soccer stadium located close-by, the Lucky's Pub is a preferred spot for pre-theater or post game sessions. Open late till 2a, this sports bar offers a casual ambiance and spacious patio, where patrons can simply relax with their favorite beer; Lucky's boasts off 'largest beer selection' in town. The pizza served here is a local favorite, it also has Mexican and typical American dishes like burgers and nachos; patrons can savor late night dinner too. The pool tables, dart boards and high-definition screen take care of the entertainment needs. This fun place can be hired for your private events too and can easily accommodate 3000 guests. For exciting offers like free shuttle service for Astros and Rockets Home Games, check website.

Woodrow's, and it's brothers: Little Woodrow's, are a collective social nightlife institution in Houston. Perhaps the best one of all has recently opened downtown near Minute Maid Park and Dynamo Stadium and near the Warehouse Live music venue. Stop in an hour before your concert starts and relax at the beautiful Texas bar; or grab a table in the beer garden. Watch several games on flat screens while lounging in the insanely comfortable sofas. Unlike other locations, this one makes cocktails to go along with their Woodrow's-standard dozens of beers on tap. This place has everything you need, so stop by after work. -Adam Rosen

If you're a basketball aficionado and love to lounge around with friends while you sip on chilled beer, this is your haunt! B.U.S Bar attracts a huge crowd on event nights and during major sporting events. Catch a game or two on their huge screens or indulge in a game of pool or dart, either way you're sure to have fun! Attend special events, theme nights, sports sessions, game sessions, Halloween celebrations, parties and lots of other festivities, even as you munch on delicious hot dogs at this bar. Call for more details on current and upcoming events

The BUS is part of the ballgame experience in Houston. Located directly across the street from Beautiful Minute Maid Park, this dedicated Astros Bar is your ideal spot to get hyped for the hometown team. Stop by before a game and grab a couple beers for less money than in the stadium, while avoiding the concession stand lines. The atmosphere is tons of fun, as the flavor changes per visiting opponent in town. There're always some off-colored jerseys/hats sprinkled about, and respectful banter is encouraged. Hang out on the crowded patio and people watch, or play pool with friends and fellow fans. Don't forget to stop by after the game for a nightcap. -Adam Rosen

An eco-friendly restaurant beautifully done up in wood, glass and steel, The Grove offers fabulous views of Discovery Green, in addition to delicious American fare. A meal that starts off with treats like BBQ glazed jalapeño meat balls and wonton-dusted fried shrimp has to be good, and the rest of the menu certainly lives up to your expectations. You can gorge on seafood preparations like gulf shrimp and grits or meat entrées like the signature bacon and provolone cheese burger and pan-roasted quail. There are many wines to be enjoyed by the glass, as also cocktails and beers. Happy Hour is between 4p and 7p, Monday through Friday.